St. John Neumann Faith formation for children

St. John NeumannFaith formation for children First Communion Parent Meeting

Faith formation for children https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVhcaEEmDHo

Parents Role Parents are the first and foremost teachers of the faith to your children. Roles of parents in the faith formation is both a privilege and an obligation. What does this mean? • Not only coming for the sacraments, but it also means: • Bringing the children to classes during preparation and after the sacraments are received; • Attending Mass; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylro8QspoIQ&feature=share • Participating in the parish Parents are incorporated into the overall process of preparation for first Reconciliation and Eucharist.

What the year will look like 2 Parent/Candidate Meetings on Reconciliation 2 Parent/Candidate Meetings on Eucharist Call to First Eucharist Celebration of Reconciliation First Eucharist Retreat Tour of the Church First Eucharist Review/Test First Eucharist www.Sjnrep.org

What to expect from parent/candidate meetings The meetings are designed to provide time for parent and candidates to learn and discuss aspects of the church year, and the essence of Reconciliation and Eucharist. The meetings will focus on shared prayer, key aspects of the church year and the mechanics of each sacrament. This will be done through: handouts, role- play, various activities or videos.

reconciliation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve4np1XDE70

reconciliation Reconciliation will be held on Saturday, February 21 and March 7. The day your child will go will be decided by the teachers. It depends on the class size. How the day works: We will have a brief prayer service in the church. After the prayer service we will have half of the people participate in Reconciliation while the other half will go over to the hall for an Reconciliation activity. Then we will switch After everyone has participated in Reconciliation, we will conclude the prayer service in the church. After the completion of the prayer service everyone will be invited over to the Hall for a pot-luck reception and pick up of certificates.

reconciliation The children and you will have a choice of going face to face or in the confessional. A place on the altar, in the “cry room”, or in the confessional We encourage the children to go face to face to emphasize that Reconciliation is not something scary. We encourage the whole family to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When parents and older siblings participate and the children who are going for the first time see this, it is less scary for them. As a parent, or your spouse or another family member is not catholic, they can still participate in this Sacrament. We want everyone to feel welcome and part of the celebration. Those who are not catholic can ask the priest for a blessing.

reconciliation HOW CAN I PRACTICALLY HELP MY CHILD PREPARE FOR RECONCILIATION? Stress the positive side ( God’s willingness to forgive, it’s a new beginning, start, etc.) Help your child examine his conscience: Don’t make it a memory test, or list of sins Recall with the child the way Jesus asked us to live our lives. Jesus asked us to pray – Did we pray? Jesus asked us to forgive others. Did we forgive or do we carry a grudge? Jesus asked us to share? How do I feel about sharing? Jesus taught us to speak kindly to others. Do I speak kindly at home, school, and play? Jesus asked us to respect one another’s property, etc. Help your child to reflect on the “why” of their actions, for this is the core.

first Eucharist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mraGcu4UNdQ

Call to first Eucharist What is Call to First Eucharist? The call to First Eucharist is a rite that mirrors the rite of the RCIA program. The rite acknowledges that the children are in the final stages of preparation of First Eucharist and ask the parish community to pray for the children. The celebrant will invite the children and parents to come forward to the altar. The celebrant will ask the children if they wish to continue their final preparation of first Eucharist. The celebrant will bless the children. The parents will be asked if you will continue to guide your children, pray with them, study with them and attend Mass each Sunday? Parent will then hand a prayer request card with your child’s name on it to your child and they will be asked to go on the way back to their seats and give that card to someone they do not know and ask them to pray for them

first Eucharist retreat WHAT IS A FIRST EUCHARIST RETREAT? This like a field trip. We rent a bus and we go down to the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Santa Ana. This retreat is put on by the Sisters at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center. This retreat is focused around the anticipation of the children making their first Eucharist. This retreat experience includes prayer, presentations on the faith and Eucharist, stories, singing, sharing together, a craft, a time for play. It concludes with Father Christopher celebrating a special Mass with the children.

first Eucharist WHAT ARE THE FIRST EUCHARIST REQUIREMENTS: Simple definition of prayer: Prayer is talking to God. Basic Prayers: Sign of the Cross Our Father Hail Mary Glory Be Act of Contrition Knowledge of God as our loving Father Jesus is God’s Son and our Friend An Understanding of right and wrong: When we do something wrong on purpose, we sin. Suggestion: Each night at prayers, the child could think of what he/she has done wrong during the day.

first Eucharist WHAT ARE THE FIRST EUCHARIST REQUIREMENTS: 6. Jesus is forgiving: In confession, Jesus forgives our sins. He speaks to us through the Priest. We must try not to sin again. 7. Be able to recite the 10 Commandments 8. Be able to respond correctly to the First Eucharist Review/Test 9. Attend the four parent/candidate meetings. 10. Attend Mass regularly.

first Eucharist First Eucharist will be the first two weekends in May. The Mass and weekend that your child will participate in First Eucharist depends on your child’s teacher and the numbers. You can find this on the important dates in your packet. There will be rehearsal for First Eucharist the Friday before the weekend of the Mass. It is extremely important that you attend rehearsal. Through drawing of names, we will pick the pew your family will sit in for the Mass. The children will have various roles in the Liturgy. – Being a lector, helping set the altar, etc. How they will process in with the celebrant

first Eucharist Dress Code: Girls: White dresses, no hoops in the dresses, No see through materials. Dresses should be knee length or tee length. No floor length dresses. Jackets must be worn with spaghetti strap dresses No gloves Veils, and flowers can be worn in the hair. No tennis shoes, (unless you are feeling financially strapped) or heels. Boys: Dark dress slacks White shirts, with or without a tie. Jackets or suits are optional. No tennis shoes.

first Eucharist First Communion Banners: At the 3rd parent/candidate meeting we will have First Communion Banner materials and instructions for you. Pictures: We have a professional photographer who will take photographs of your child receiving first communion. This is a gift from the parish to you. There is no cost for you. The photographer will be on hand prior to the Mass and after the Mass to take individual and family portraits for a small fee. These are optional. The photographer will take class pictures prior to Mass beginning which you can also purchase. You may bring one camera per family into the church. However, you may not leave your seat to take any pictures. We will ask you to leave if you do.

communication • Website: www.sjnrep.org • Emails from both the catechist and the faith formation office • Clear our emails so they do not end up in spam • notification@demand.com

October 21st, October 22nd, and October 26th. – Before & after all sessions • Free of Charge

Any questions

Lord Jesus Christ, in the Sacrament of the Eucharist You left us the outstanding manifestation of your limitless love for us. Thank You for giving our child the opportunity to experience this love in receiving the Sacrament for the first time.May you guide them and their families as they prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. Amen.

St. John Neumann Faith formation for children